Is selling a Euro more difficult once its crossed 100K Km?

**hsonthalia** · 11-07-2010 02:08 PM

Hi there

I am looking at getting a used manual Euro (MY 2003/2004) and selling in max 2 years with light used of about 10,000 K a year. Was not sure if I should consider anything over 100,000 Ks or even 90,000 Ks. Couple of things that I have noticed are :

a) The clutch kits for manual Euros normally might need replacement close to the 100,000 mark - obviously this might be slightly different based on the driving style.

b) Selling the car once it has crossed 100,000K would be difficult and most potential buyers set their filter at this level.

Would you imagine it makes sense to pay some premium to buy it at the 70,000 K marks?

Thanks in advance

**Type R Positive** · 11-07-2010 02:31 PM

So what is your question again?

You want to buy a euro and sell it again in 2 years?

Buy one that has max depreciation already. Looks like it will be one with 100k+ kms. Just make sure all servicing has been completed, like timing belt, and possibly clutch.

**Neesmo31** · 12-07-2010 08:09 AM

I just picked up my 04 model with 59,000kms. Paid for it, but thats what i wanted. Peoples perceptions with the whole 100,000km mark is utter crap. The whole reason that figure has stuck is because back in the day, 100,000 miles and the car was rooted. So 160,000kms and it was stuffed.

Now, metal technology, and new manufacturing standards mean cars that last a whole lot longer. But even though technology and all that has increased - the notorious 100,000 number has magically stuck in peoples minds. If i didnt worry about reselling the car, then KMS wouldnt really bother me at all.

It is just a trigger in peoples minds that if it has over 100kms it is old and bad.... not true. Look at peoples log books, and make sure it has been maintained and not thrashed.

My old dc2r had 146 when i sold it, and the amount of servicing and maintenance that i did on that car was rediculous. I would change oils and fluid even though they didnt need to be changed. I was meticulous about it - but having said that, that is the risk you take when you want to buy a second hand car. Worried about kms and maintenance - then buy new...

(just as a reference - my mate bought a 900? series volvo that used to be a vip taxi back and forth from the gold coast to brisbane, he bought it with 740,000kms on the clock, so far nothing has gone wrong with the car for him in the year he has owned it, and it drives beautiful, engine is great still)

**raffyboy** · 12-07-2010 09:26 AM

^^ yeh true its a stigma that stuck in people and thinking that technology before are still the same as today

new technology now makes car tougher and goes longer + proper maintenance and TLC your car will be in good shape at all times

**Neesmo31** · 12-07-2010 09:48 AM

Thats right raffy. Personally i bought my car because of it being such low kms for its age, and only due to the resale of the car when i go to sell it. Like i was saying, if you were rich you wouldnt really care about kms or resale.

**hsonthalia** · 12-07-2010 09:53 AM

Thanks for the replies guys...what does TLC mean?

**Neesmo31** · 12-07-2010 09:54 AM

Tender Love and Care - show your car some and it loves you back!

A car is a mechanical animal, abuse will result in disobedience. Groom it, feed it and top its water bowl daily. Throw the ball to it now and then. Only then will you have a loyal freind. lol

**HunterZero** · 12-07-2010 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Type R Positive

Just make sure all servicing has been completed, like timing belt, and possibly clutch.

I believe that the Euro doesn't have a timing belt. It's chain driven.

- HZ

**hsonthalia** · 12-07-2010 10:45 AM

It seems like the general consensus is that the maintenance and service hisotry is more important for a car than the Kms on it - however, if one were to buy to resell it as is in my case you would like to be able to sell it below 100,000K because of the general perception of the car. Is that right?

Also, what do you think of Ultra Tune as a service provider. I have come across this 2003 Euro which has been serviced regularly but by Ultra Tune and not Honda post 2005. Does that really matter? I have heard that Ultra Tune is very reputed and know their job well.

Thanks

**Neesmo31** · 12-07-2010 10:58 AM

Eeeeether Iiiiither. Ultratune do a service as per the same guidelines that a honda dealer will do a service. The only thing is that a honda dealership may have more experience in servicing them as they would have done more of that model than ultratune, so they might know little ins and out of certain things.

I personally dont like someone else working on my car. I KNOW that they dont take as much care as i would, these guys have time frames to get things done. I can take my time and do it properly. Im not saying that they dont do it properly, but the little things add up.

KMS and service history are one in the same i think. Look at the market for euro's - mainly old people, who buy them new, own it for a couple of years, then trade up to the new one. Thats all well and good if you have the money to do that. But your not usually getting a thrashed one if its from an oldie.

**hsonthalia** · 12-07-2010 11:02 AM

Unfortunately except for one, the other 4-5 Euros that I have test driven have been sold by rather young owners (20-35 years); hence would need to rely on getting a RACV inspection done.

**Neesmo31** · 12-07-2010 11:16 AM

Dont be put off by that though mate, i mean i treat my cars with more respect than any of my mates (combined) and take really good care of mine. I usually have a connection to my cars and treat them very well. I think in the couple of months i have owned my euro i have floored it like twice, just to see how it goes then nothing from then on. That and i am 25.